Harry Potter's : Fantastic Beasts Guide

"Wait here for me. I'll come back later," David said to Tariq, who was sprawled on the ground.

"Wait, wait! Where are you going? Don't leave me alone in this wilderness!" Tariq protested, rolling over and grabbing David's leg with a pitiful expression.

"I'm going back to the camp. Do you want to come? If we run into Ministry of Magic officials, I won't be responsible for you," David replied.

Tariq hesitated. "Why are you going back? Didn't you hear that explosion? There's probably nothing left!"

David gave him a cold look but said nothing.

"Alright, alright. But promise you'll come back for me," Tariq said, his small eyes blinking nervously. His mask had been discarded long ago.

David nodded slightly and Disapparated, reappearing near the remains of the camp. He surveyed the area carefully. The once-flat ground where the wooden huts had stood was now a massive crater, the soil stained with patches of blood that gave off a faint metallic smell. There was no sign of anyone nearby—they had either fled or been obliterated by the explosion.

David walked to the center of the crater, examining it closely. He found no traces of blood or any remains of the magical creatures. "They must have moved them before the explosion," he thought, feeling a sense of relief. The creatures were safe, and the R organization's plans were far from over.

Satisfied, David returned to Tariq's side.

"Ron, how is it?" Tariq asked as soon as David reappeared.

"Just a big hole now," David replied, sitting down on a fallen tree trunk.

Tariq nodded thoughtfully, then scooted closer to David. "Hey, Ron, did they give you anything?"

David remembered the small bag the swallowtail dog-masked wizard had handed him. "Yes, why? Is there something wrong with it?"

"No, no, it's full of good stuff," Tariq said, pulling out his own bag. He opened it and shook it, spilling Galleons onto the ground along with a white envelope.

David counted the coins—about forty or fifty Galleons. Tariq set the money aside and handed the envelope to David. On it was written: *Please reopen in three days.*

"It's the same as the one I got earlier," Tariq said. "What do you think they're planning?"

"Probably another operation," David replied.

"Are you going?" Tariq asked eagerly.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I? The money's good," David said, kicking the pile of Galleons with his foot.

"Then I'm coming too," Tariq declared.

David raised an eyebrow. "You? You barely made it out of the last mess. You think you can handle another one?"

Tariq grinned. "Isn't that what you're here for? You won't leave me behind, right?"

David studied him for a moment. "Do you have your broom? It's time to go."

"Right here," Tariq said, pulling out a brand-new broomstick from his bag.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" David asked, gesturing to the Galleons on the ground.

"Oh, right!" Tariq waved his wand, and the coins flew back into his bag. "Remember, you're paying for dinner later."

Once they were ready, David mounted his broom and took off, flying toward the edge of the forest with Tariq trailing behind.

---

"Tariq, do you know where the nearest wizarding town is?" David asked as they walked along a busy Muggle sidewalk. The sounds of car horns, chatter, and footsteps surrounded them, but David felt disconnected from it all. He had considered staying in a Muggle hotel but decided against it. The wizarding world felt more familiar, even if it was fraught with danger.

"Of course! There's a great restaurant there too," Tariq said, leading David into an alley. At the end of the alley was a moss-covered brick wall. Tariq tapped a few bricks with his wand, and they shifted aside to reveal a set of stairs.

Climbing the stairs, they emerged in a magical alley. Streetlamps lined the walls, each held by a small metal figure juggling a glowing ball. At the intersection, another metal figure stood on a platform, holding a small black box.

Tariq approached it. "Which way to Sonya's restaurant?"

The metal figure leaned down, listened, then tapped its box. A golden arrow emerged, pointing down one of the alleys.

"Thanks," Tariq said. The metal figure covered its face shyly, waving its hand in response.

"Most people don't say thank you, so they get really happy when someone does," Tariq explained.

David nodded and thanked the figure as well, earning a bow in return. The figure tapped its platform, creating a rhythmic sound that echoed down the alley.

Tariq smirked. "Let's go. I'll take you to the best restaurant here. You won't be disappointed!"

They followed the alley to a modest-looking shop. Inside, a few patrons sat at tables. Tariq led David to a table and picked up a wooden menu. "What do you want to eat?"

"Whatever you recommend," David said.

Tariq scanned the menu, tapping his wand on a few dishes. The names glowed faintly. Minutes later, plates of food floated out of the kitchen, landing neatly on their table. The aroma was irresistible.

David couldn't help but smile. "The wizarding world really is more interesting," he thought as he dug in.